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When you have an emergency situation with your pet every minute can make a difference. I like to be prepared in case of an emergency, you never know when your dog’s life can depend on you having the right information at your finger tips when you need it. You know it is important to have your veterinarian’s number. Most dog owners also keep the number and location of nearest emergency vet hospital in case our pet gets sick or injured on weekends or after hours. Here is a list of numbers you may need in addition to these two essential telephone numbers:
Emergency Disaster Hotline: 1 800 22 7 4645
Provided by the American Humane Association, this number is your first point of call in earthquake or any disaster preparedness for your pets, what to do and where to go. They provide support and relief information.
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency): Information for Pet Owners
If you evacuate your home, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND! The federal government now officially supports including pets in disaster plans. In 2000 The HSUS and FEMA signed an historic partnership agreement to encourage and assist people who want to safeguard their pets in a natural disaster. Before disaster hits, reach out to local officials—work with them to confirm that you will be allowed to evacuate with your pets.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 1 888 426 4435
If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, you can call this poison control center 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The cost for a poison-related emergency consultation with a veterinarian or toxicologist is $65, which can be billed to your credit card.
Pet Poison Helpline: 1 800 213 6680
This 24-hour animal poison control service for the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean charges a $35 per incident fee, payable by credit card. This fee covers the initial consultation as well as all follow-up calls associated with the management of the case.
Spay/USA Helpline: 1 800 248 7729
This national spay/neuter referral service can help you find a low cost clinic in your area. Their mission is to reduce pet overpopulation by making spay/neuter services affordable to everyone who has a cat or a dog. Phone counselors are available M-F from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund: 707 795 2533
The nonprofit ALDF was founded in 1979 by attorneys active in shaping the emerging field of animal law. Contact them if you have questions about animal neglect or abuse, pet related landlord-tenant issues, pet custody concerns during a divorce, or if you need information on how to include animals in your will.
ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline: 877 474 3310
This program was created to help pet owners who are dealing with the loss of a pet. You can also call them for assistance with the decision to euthanize, advice on how to help children, disabled individuals and other family pets who are grieving the loss of their companion, and help establishing a relationship with a new pet.
Animal and pet travel resources, airplanes and airline regulation: 1800 545 USDA
Whenever you need to travel with your dog(s) locally or even internationally, it is important for you to know your dog is protected by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) which is enforced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Before taking a flight, call this number for all your needs about transporting your pet, best airline resources, Licensed pet transporters contact, and even file complaint regarding your pet if you feel an airline has treated your pet or animal inhumanely during transportation. They also ensure airlines treat animals humanely, has facilities to handle animals at airports and maintain allowable temperature limits for animal holding areas. They provide touch tone and recorded messages only. Press option 3 for pet related information.
Pet Travel Information: 877 241 0184
Do you want to travel with your dog? Call or visit Pettravel.com for information on regulations and restrictions, pet container requirements, vet certificates, and clearing security.
Pet Airways: 1 888 738 2479
The only airline that transports dogs in the cabin of the plane.
Animal Behavior Hotline: 312 644 8338, ext. 343
Have a behavior question, call and get answers to anything from separation anxiety to aggression.
Lyme Disease Foundation: 860 870 0070
This nonprofit organization looks for answers to all tick-borne related questions. If you need information about Lyme Disease, Colorado Tick Fever, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever or anything else tick related give them a call.
These are some phone numbers I think will be a useful resource to all dog owners. Remember numbers can change and some agencies are only open Monday though Friday during business hours. If I have forgotten a number you think should be included please add it to the comments below.